At the heart of the education at First Presbyterian Academy is the development and training in a Biblical Worldview. Everyone has a worldview and it becomes the lens by which we view life and determines our values and actions. Knowledge means little without a foundation that allows us to use that knowledge in a productive, real world way. This is called wisdom.
FPA strives to integrate biblical thinking into all aspects of the school program. As Proverbs 2:6 says, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding." Without a biblical perspective, it is not possible to have full knowledge and understanding of any subject. Each academic discipline at FPA is taught in a way that allows the student to see God and His redemptive plan for a fallen world. Each activity exists for the purpose of exploring and discovering God's giftedness that is bestowed on each individual student. The marvelous power and sustaining work of God is seen in science and calls mankind to be good stewards of His creation. Math demonstrates the faithfulness of God and helps us understand the importance of order in our lives. History teaches us that God is sovereign and that grace and justice exist in a fallen world. All of literature reveals that the redemptive story of Christ is instilled in all men, even if they do not realize it. The arts explore the creative nature of God that is in all of us as image bearers.
FPA also integrates a Biblical Worldview through the Living Curriculum. Jesus tells His disciples, "When the student is fully trained they will be like their teacher." (Luke 6:40) Every teacher, staff member, and coach at FPA are committed to modeling Christ as they build relationships with students in the spirit of discipleship. When a biblical worldview combines with academic content, activites, and relationships there is hope that goes beyond earthly understanding and focuses on the HOPE only found in CHRIST.
Therefore, it is the vision of FPA to ignite a passion for excellence in learning by infusing God's Word as the lens that leads to understanding and wisdom, in an environment where students are discipled to impact their world for Jesus Christ.
How do we implement this into our daily teaching?
Preschool (K2-K4)
Our goal is to lay the foundation for a Biblical Worldview in our preschool students. Children are naturally curious about the world around them and we have a wonderful opportunity to help answer:
- Who is God?
- What do I know about God?
- What do I know about His Word, the Bible?
- What do I know about His creation?
- How does this knowledge impact the way that I should live?
God has a purpose for each of us and He wants us to glorify Him in all that we do and say. We can do this by developing Christ-like characteristics such as obedience, kindness, self-control, honesty, gentleness, forgiveness, joyfulness, patience, thankfulness, and contentment.
Lower School (K5-5th Grade)
Incorporating a biblical worldview into our Lower School classrooms involves:
- Infusing the principles and values found in the Bible into all aspects of our students' educational experience
- Drawing inspiration from biblical accounts
- Weaving biblical values into the curriculum that promotes a sense of love, community, respect, and responsibility among our school family
- Engaging in prayer, chapels, and service-oriented activities to contribute to the cultivation of a biblical worldview in our students
By integrating these elements into our educational environment, we work to create an atmosphere that encourages students to not only excel academically but also to develop a biblical worldview that guides them in their interactions with others.
Upper School (6th-12th Grade)
It is our desire to graduate question-asking truth seekers that are unafraid to dialog with an unbelieving world. All Upper School departments seek to foster a learning environment that integrates classroom lessons with moral values, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for:
- God's order and design of creation
- The power of communication and the human experience
- Our relationship to God's divine plan
- The unity of knowledge and faith
- God's personal relationship with his children to advance His kingdom through their lives